While you’re busy shoring up your cybersecurity measures, it’s worth asking what you’re doing about physical security breaches. Considering the risk they pose to your employees, data, and equipment, you shouldn’t leave this issue unaddressed for your business. Any small business owner should strive for the peace of mind that physical security can bring about.
But what does a modern physical security solution look like, and why should you implement one?
What Exactly Goes Into Physical Security?
Simply put, a physical security system might include any of the following security features that protect your business’ physical office space:
- Access control systems, like key cards or biometrics
- Video surveillance systems for documentation and investigation
- Intrusion detection in the form of alarm systems and sensors for rapid response
- Environmental monitoring of your IT systems for issues like server room temperature, water, and fire
The costs of ignoring physical security are great. If you’re not careful, your business could suffer from theft, equipment loss, unauthorized access to the server room, or even workplace violence. All of these issues lead to increased downtime, which creates further financial loss.
How Integration Solves the Physical Security Dilemma
SMBs, in particular, face numerous challenges in implementing physical security systems, including budgeting constraints, older facilities, a lack of dedicated IT staff, and the use of a patchwork of systems piecemealed together over the years.
Modern security solutions are integrated, however, which means they combine several of the features mentioned above into one centralized platform for ease of use. These systems are designed with remote control in mind, allowing you to grant and revoke access as needed, easily check camera footage, and maintain a clear audit trail for unauthorized access or activity.
As you can imagine, treating physical security as an extension of your IT systems can be beneficial, and it’s crucial for efficient monitoring and management of your office space.
What If This Is Too Much for Your Business?
It might sound like overkill to implement security systems, but if you’re being honest with yourself, wouldn’t you sleep better at night knowing your office is locked down and protected from both digital and physical threats?
The fact remains that businesses already have a hard enough time with cybersecurity, let alone the nuances of physical security. SMBs can leverage a strategic partnership with managed service providers to handle this responsibility. Not only can the right MSP handle the management and monitoring of these security systems, but they can also equip your infrastructure with a layered security approach to protect servers and other sensitive hardware.
The goal is to make security as optimal as possible without restricting operations. Tell us… Can your in-house team do this? Probably not.
Don’t let the lack of a strong foundation lead to the physical vulnerability of your people, property, and digital assets. Implement physical security solutions now. To get an idea of your physical security blind spots and to discuss opportunities for improvement, contact Directive today at (607) 433-2200.
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